2025

Prashanti Singh, born on May 5, 1984, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, stands as a beacon in Indian basketball, celebrated for her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in basketball, with sisters Divya, Akanksha, Pratima, and Priyanka also making their marks in the game, Prashanti's journey was inspired and supported by a shared passion for basketball. Together, they are affectionately known as the "Singh Sisters," a testament to their collective impact on Indian women's basketball.​ Prashanti's basketball career commenced in 2002 when she joined the Indian women's national team. Her versatility allowed her to excel as both a shooting guard and small forward. Over the years, she represented India in numerous international competitions, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, and multiple FIBA Asia Championships. Notably, in 2011, she played a pivotal role in India's historic victory over South Korea at the William Jones Cup, scoring 12 of her 16 points in the third quarter, including a buzzer-beater from near half-court.​ Domestically, Prashanti's achievements are unparalleled. She has amassed a record 23 medals across National Championships, National Games, and Federation Cups, making her the most decorated female basketball player in India. Her leadership was instrumental in Delhi's triumph over the dominant Railways team in the 2003 Senior National Championship, a significant upset in Indian women's basketball history.​ In recognition of her contributions, Prashanti was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2017, becoming only the third woman basketball player to receive this accolade. Two years later, she made history as the first Indian basketball player to be conferred with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards. Her accolades also include the Rani Laxmi Bai Bravery Award from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for the year 2016–17.​ Beyond the court, Prashanti has continued to influence the sport by serving as a talent scout for the government's Khelo India program, aiming to nurture young athletes across the country. Her life and career have been encapsulated in a documentary titled "B Cube (Boskey Basketball Banaras)," which was selected among the top films at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film Festival.​ Prashanti Singh's journey from the lanes of Varanasi to international basketball arenas exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of sports. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment.

Muin Bek Hafeez’s journey isn’t just about basketball, it's about beating the odds, breaking stereotypes, and turning dreams into reality. Born in the small town of Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu in 1996, Hafeez didn’t grow up in the limelight. Like most kids, he tried his hand at cricket, judo, and even throwball. But it was at the SAI Academy in Salem that basketball found him and he never looked back. Starting out as a center, Hafeez’s raw talent and hunger to improve pushed him to evolve into a versatile forward during his college days at Jeppiaar Institute of Technology. While pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, he was also quietly building one of the most impressive basketball resumes in the country. Unlike many who come up through the national junior system, Hafeez took the unconventional route. Without any U16 or U18 India team experience, he burst into the senior national team in 2017 after making waves in college and state tournaments. That alone speaks volumes about his grit. But what really turned heads was when coach Veselin Matic made a bold move shifting him to the point guard position, a role usually reserved for quicker, smaller players. Hafeez didn’t just accept the challenge, he owned it. He showed poise, vision, and control, traits of a natural leader. His 24-point, 8-assist, 8-rebound game against Iraq in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers wasn’t just a highlight, it was a statement. By the time the 2025 qualifiers rolled around, Hafeez wasn’t just a player he was the captain. Averaging 10 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, he led India from the front, including a clutch 17-point performance in a rematch against Iraq. And off the international court? He’s just as dominant, having led Indian Bank Chennai BC as their top scorer and playing a crucial role for Tamil Nadu in national championships.

Jagdeep Singh Bains is one of those names in Indian basketball that deserves way more recognition than it gets. He wasn’t just a player; he was a fighter, a leader, and a true inspiration. Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, his journey into basketball wasn’t planned. His father was an athletics coach, so naturally, his early years were filled with running tracks and fitness drills rather than dribbling a basketball. But fate had its own way of steering him in the right direction. His height stood out, and in 2002, a local coach spotted his potential, leading him to play for Rajasthan in the school nationals the following year. That was just the beginning of what would become an incredible career. Jagdeep’s real breakthrough came when he joined the Ludhiana Basketball Academy under coach Sankaran Subramanian. This was where he transformed from a raw talent into a polished player. The Ludhiana Academy has produced some of India’s best basketball players, and Jagdeep quickly became one of them. His dominance on the court, strong defensive skills, and ability to finish at the rim made him a standout player. By 2008, he was playing professionally for Punjab Police Jalandhar, where he continued to make waves in the Indian basketball scene. His impact wasn’t just limited to domestic basketball. He earned a spot on the Indian national team and represented the country at the FIBA Asia Championships in 2007 and 2009. He wasn’t just playing; he was making an impact. In 2007, he averaged 11.4 points per game, and in 2009, he led the team in rebounds, proving his versatility. He also played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 3x3 basketball event at the 1st South Asian Beach Games, securing a gold medal. His performances on the international stage made him one of the most reliable players for India during that time. However, his journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 2012, during a 3-on-3 tournament in China, he suffered a severe back injury that turned his world upside down. The injury was so bad that he was bedridden for three years. Imagine going from playing for your country to not even being able to move properly. It was a dark time for him, and he even considered quitting the sport. But with the support of his wife and his relentless willpower, he refused to give up. After years of rehabilitation and training, he made a dramatic comeback in 2016, joining the Mumbai Challengers in the UBA Pro Basketball League. His return wasn’t just symbolic—he helped the team win the championship in Season 4, proving that he still had a lot left in him.

Poonam Chaturvedi is one of the most remarkable figures in Indian women’s basketball. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, she’s not just the tallest female player in the country but also an inspiring athlete who has battled through challenges to make a name for herself in the sport. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and passion for the game. Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Poonam’s height was always an advantage, but she wasn’t initially into basketball. It was only when coaches noticed her potential that she started training seriously. She was encouraged to develop her skills, and once she stepped onto the court, there was no looking back. Her dedication soon paid off, and she found herself playing at the national level, representing the Chhattisgarh women’s basketball team. Chhattisgarh is well known for producing some of the best basketball players in the country, and Poonam quickly became one of its brightest stars. Her height gave her an edge in securing rebounds and blocking shots, making her a dominant force under the basket. As she continued to rise in the ranks, she got the opportunity to represent India in international tournaments. Competing on such a big stage is never easy, but Poonam proved that she belonged there. Her ability to defend, score, and control the paint made her a crucial player in India’s squad. But just as things were looking bright, she was hit with a major setback. Poonam was diagnosed with a brain tumor, something that could have ended her career. It was a tough time, not just for her but for everyone who had been following her journey. However, she refused to let the diagnosis define her. With immense courage and determination, she underwent treatment and fought her way back to the court. Her return to basketball after such a difficult battle is nothing short of inspirational. Even after overcoming such a life-threatening challenge, she didn’t slow down. She continued playing, showing the same dominance that made her a star in the first place. Her comeback proved that she wasn’t just a talented athlete but also someone with unshakable mental strength. Young players look up to her not just for her skills but also for her resilience. She has become a symbol of hope, proving that with hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible. Today, Poonam Chaturvedi remains a vital part of Indian basketball. She continues to work on her game, pushing herself to improve and contribute to the sport’s growth in India. With the country steadily making progress in international basketball, her presence is invaluable. She hopes to see India compete at the highest level, and her journey is a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance. Her story isn’t just about basketball, it's about fighting against the odds and emerging victorious. From a young girl in Kanpur to one of India’s most celebrated basketball players, Poonam has shown that greatness is achieved through dedication and belief in oneself. Whether she’s blocking shots on the court or inspiring young athletes off it, her impact on the game is undeniable. As she continues her journey, one thing is clear Poonam Chaturvedi’s legacy in Indian basketball is far from over.